While a miter saw is indispensable, having a great table saw is a wonderful way to broaden the scope of your woodworking. Whether you want miters or bevels, rips or compound cuts, the best table saw is a highly versatile woodworking equipment. Not only can you perform a healthy range of different cuts, you can also hook up various accessories to your table saw. Table saws are truly multi-purpose in the workshop.
These saws are extremely lightweight thanks to the materials they tend to be built with (plastic and aluminum) but they are more than capable of getting the job done for small and soft woods like plywood or pine. They typically come at a very affordable price and are perfect for light duty wood cutting work. However, if you need the table saw for contracting, you’re going to want a job site saw. Jobsite table saws are much bigger than either of the other two models, but they are still fairly easy to transport.
If you are new in this industry, it’s important to know that Makita is one of the most reputable power tool companies out there. For this reason, in our comparison table, you will find one of their top-of-the-line modes, the Makita 2705. It comes with a 15-amp motor which has 4800 rpm. This is more than enough power to cut almost any wood. Despite its large table, the unit has a compact design. The blade guard system has a cam lock, so it can be easily adjusted while the dual guards allow you to cut any wood any size and shape. As far as the safety goes, it is everything okay. Although that some important features are lacking, it still has two independent anti-kickback mechanisms and a blade guard that is designed great. After testing this incredible tool, we can honestly say that it can cut wood with incredible accuracy.
Goggles are yet another thing people simply don’t like wearing. However, it’s not about comfort but saving your eyesight. As you can assume, there is a lot of sawdust flying around while you’re cutting a piece of wood. In order to prevent it from flying straight into your eyes, you have to wear safety glasses. There are hundreds of models you can choose from, but make sure they are certified as safe. In simpler words, you cannot use the first ones you stumble upon, don’t be afraid to invest in high-quality safety glasses, you’ll be thankful for them.
Depending on how often you work with wood and the type of wood that you use, you may find that this SawStop PCS175-PFA30 1.75-HP Professional Cabinet Saw Assembly is better suited to your needs than some of the company’s more expensive models are. This saw features a smaller base and a shorter extension table that take up less space, but you can use the fencing system to extend the size of the table working with your boards.
I have another post for Woodsmith magazines. ShopNotes 2.00 each copyIssue 1 Premiere Issue Shop -- Built Router TableTable Saw AccessoriesTips for Accurate CrosscuttingElu Router ReviewIssue 2Wooden Joiners MalletStorage Bin SystemHand-Cut MortisesRadial Arm Saw FenceIssue 3Handy Tool Carry-AllShop-Built Cling StationPlate Joinery TechniquesAdjustable Grinding JigIssue 4Shop-Built Panel SawThi...
With a riving knife that has a quick release design that makes it easier to change, it’s no wonder that this Powermatic 1792017K Model PM2000 10-Inch 5 HP 1-Phase Table Saw with 50-Inch Accu-Fence and Workbench is so popular with shoppers. That knife also has built-in kickback prevention that will keep your hands safe and help you focus on your work. Though it’s just as sturdy as other cabinet saws, this one comes with a caster system that allows you to move the saw across your shop.
The Porter-Cable looks like a beefed-up version of the Craftsman, with the same blade guard and anti-kickback pawls. This is the only saw in our test with a blade-tilting handwheel, which makes it easier to dial in a precise bevel angle. The motor mount and blade controls on this saw are very sturdy, without much play, which translates to a good-quality cut. Extending the fence for a wide rip requires a bit of effort on this saw, since the rails are stiff. All in all, this is a great saw for the price.
Smoothness & Accuracy: This is another important factor to be aware of. You need to make sure that you decide on a portable table saw with a blade that can cut any type of wood easily. The fence needs to be able to fix the wood securely, and a miter gauge adds to the overall accuracy element. It also significantly adds to the range of options you can use the table saw for.
Both saws accomplish the same thing, but with different results. SawStop’s feature takes about 90 seconds to recover from compared to roughly 1 minute with Bosch. Bosch developed the REAXX to drop the blade without damage while SawStop usually results in a damaged blade that needs to be replaced. The SawStop employs a brake that must be changed after activation at a cost of $69 each. Bosch uses a dual airbag style cartridge. These run $99 each, but you get two shots out of each one.
How many teeth a saw blade has will determine how smooth the cut is. Most blades have from 24-80 teeth. The exceptions to these blades are specialty material specific blades (i.e. for masonry) In general, the more teeth a blade has the smoother the cut will be. The higher tooth count means that the cut speed will be slower as well. You cannot overcome a slower cutting speed by pushing harder on the material. This is a common mistake newbies make. All this will do is cause kickbacks when the saw blade catches and tosses the object back towards to the user at dangerously high speeds.
You cannot build wood cabinets or make furniture without a quality tool that provides maximum accuracy and precision. There are still many people who prefer to use the manual saw rather than the electric saw, but the main disadvantage of using the standard saw is that it doesn’t provide a smooth and clean cut. On the other hand, despite the fact that electric saws cut the wood at a very high speed and reach in the middle of the wood with no effort, they provide a very smooth cut.
This portable jobsite table saw head-to-head includes 8 saws from; Bosch, Delta, DEWALT, Hitachi, Makita, Ridgid, SawStop and Skilsaw. Originally, we had also to include Ryobi as a budget friendly option for DIY’ers or guys just starting in the trades. However, we were not able to adapt that saw to our testing rigs so we pulled it from the testing (you may see some photos with the saw but again we’re not including it in the results).

The Bosch 4100-09 10 Inch Table Saw is an expert tool that will be sure to impress its users with the reliable design and easy to use set up system. Our favorite feature was the gravity rise design that allows you to push the device around easily and focus more on getting the job done instead of wasting time trying to set up a complicated device. The tool is also coated in a powder coat that helps to improve the longevity of the device and features a collapsible design that is easy to fold up and down once you get to the job site.

When you are woodworking, dust and debris can be a serious bugbear. There’s good news with the DeWalt, though. Connect the DWE7491RS to your favorite vacuum and keep your workspace blissfully free of fine particles. The 2 ½-inch dust port at the rear and 1 ½-inch port off the top of your blade makes for a powerful combination getting rid of dust from above and below.
Bosch GTS1031 10 in. portable jobsite table saw is powered by a 15 Amp motor that allows this table saw to rip through any lumber or hardwood quickly and easily. Bosch’s Smart Guard System provides added control while cutting, SquareLock Rip fence ensure consistent and accurate cuts, and an all-steel base provides added durability. Oh yeah, and we forgot to mention the price. This is the most affordable table saw on our list!
There are three areas of importance that you’ll need to protect – your ears, eyes, and arms. To start with, you’ll want to make sure that you have a pair of earplugs or noise reducing headphones that will help to minimize the negative effects of being exposed to loud noise for prolonged periods of time. While this may seem like a small solution, it is something that you’ll want to make sure you take into full consideration – to avoid doing so could be extremely detrimental to your overall health.
This type requires a heavy-duty circuit because it’s driven by a powerful 3 to 5HP motor. The blade is driven by three parallel V-belts which ensure a smooth operation and an efficient transfer of energy. Needless to say, if you have big plans, you might want to consider investing in a high-quality cabinet saw. Prompted, it’s going to cost you a significant amount of money, but it pays out relatively quickly.
With a riving knife that has a quick release design that makes it easier to change, it’s no wonder that this Powermatic 1792017K Model PM2000 10-Inch 5 HP 1-Phase Table Saw with 50-Inch Accu-Fence and Workbench is so popular with shoppers. That knife also has built-in kickback prevention that will keep your hands safe and help you focus on your work. Though it’s just as sturdy as other cabinet saws, this one comes with a caster system that allows you to move the saw across your shop.
However, some models with cheaper table surfaces still manage to get it consistently right. It’s always important to look for problems with table flatness when reading reviews of table saws you’re considering. If you see flatness as an issue repeatedly, you can save yourself a huge potential headache by just considering a different model. If you don’t see any complaints about table flatness, even on a cheaper model of table saw, then it’s probably going to work out just fine.

The biggest advantage of hybrid saws is the fact that they can be plugged in a regular 110V/220V outlet. Therefore, you don’t need any additional power sources in order to use these units. It quite a relief because you’ll avoid any further investments. These saws are quite easy to use if you know what you are doing. However, if you don’t, remember to read the manual before turning your saw on. It will save you a lot of hassle and also keep you safe.

The Grizzly G0690 is a very unique and powerful table saw and each part of it says performance and quality. With a 3 HP, 220V, 3-phase Leeson motor, heavy cast iron trunnions, wings and table to its triple belt drive system, this model should definitely last you for a lifetime. It’s not only its impressive build quality that’s going to strike you about it, but also its other features that include a four inch dust collection port, a T-slot miter gauge, a magnetic switch, but also heavy cat hand-wheels, riving knife and camlock T-fence. If you’re a professional who’s been using cabinet tablet saws for a quite a while, you’ll immediately appreciate the quality of the Grizzly G0690.
Both the riving knife and the blade itself has a quick release design that lets you remove each one in minutes after accessing the arbor lock and without using any special tools either. The blade guard has a similar design that allows you to remove and replace it without any tools. This guard does a good job of keeping your hands and any other body parts safe as you use the saw.
For benchtop and jobsite saws with direct drive motors, the motor RPM is the blade RPM. If you’re considering a contractor or cabinet saw, it’s a different story. In any event, Pro table saw RPMs generally range from 4000 – 5000. Don’t let numbers on the lower side dissuade you. There’s a limit to how much power you can draw and each manufacturer has to decide how they’ll channel it between blade speed and torque. So higher isn’t necessarily better.
From there, it’s all about flesh detection. The REAXX wins out over SawStop in this category thanks to quicker recovery, a two-shot activation mechanism ($99 per cartridge, $49.50 per shot), and keeping the blade from damage. The initial saws to go out also come with a code to get an extra cartridge for free when you register the REAXX. Like I mentioned earlier, the unknown is still the actual reaction time compared to SawStop.

You have to know the amount of money you are willing to spend for the right saw. The truth is that the price will vary significantly depending on where you are buying the saw, the brand and the features it comes with. However, with a good budget, you can easily narrow down the options you may have. You will have a smaller range to work with and you will know what features to expect within that price range. Always be willing to spend a little more on the table saw you want in your workshop especially if you work on wood every day.

To get the feel of the cut, we used a two man team to feed from one end of the saw and catch on the other. This helped us reduce the friction that comes from one person trying to hold a board flush against the fence while also keeping downward pressure to keep it level on the table. There was definitely some hesitation at the beginning of each cut that was alleviated once the board was received by the second man on the other side. It was during this middle section that the table/fence friction was at its lowest point and we made our determinations about each saw’s power and cutting speed.

Though you’ll still want to wear safety gear when using this table saw, it has safety features that will keep you safe too. One of those features is an emergency stop. One touch of the bright green power button brings the motor to life, but when you lift up on the emergency stop that surrounds the power button, you can stop the motor in its tracks. This button has a convenient design that lets you hit and lift it with your leg or knee too.
Lowes had a Father’s day sale, on their Kobalt table saw with a folding/rolling stand and was $180.00, with more money off because I signed up for their credit card-so I bought it. It cuts fine, the fence locks on both ends,measurements seem ok, and it unfolds and rolls away very easily-I like it so far. I’m a home owner and I use it sporadically and treat it well, it does not appear to be very robust, so as a day to day, on the job site saw, probably not a good choice. I used to have a Makita table saw, with a terrible fence, unreliable ruler markings, and difficult to use blade guide that interfered with measurements, which you needed to do every time-a terrible saw, very frustrating to use. I have a Makita miter saw and it’s great, but the idea of buying a same brand because I liked one of their other products did not work out.
It’s a little extra assembly work, but you’ll be grateful you did it later. The blade guard will keep your hands away from the saw and the splitter will help to reduce kickback from the machine and keep the wood flowing smoothly through the table saw. Additionally, if you’re working to cut thin boards, you should use a push stick or a push shoe to make sure your hands stay guarded while you work.

Dust collection can seem like an afterthought for jobsite table saws. The fact that you’re outside, often on an unoccupied site, negates the need to collect your dust. But breathing that stuff doesn’t do your lungs any favors. That’s why dust collection is so important. Of course, if you’re working inside or in an occupied structure, collecting all that dust will make the cleanup part of your day easier to deal with. Since we’re not talking about concrete dust regulations, even a standard shop vac will be a good bet to help contain the mess.

We spent over 30 hours researching and testing 10 different brands of table saws and found that maximum speed, cord length, and cut depth were most important. The DEWALT DW7480 table saw scored high marks in every category and is our top pick. This 48 pound table saw is perfect for using at home or taking with you to the job site. It has a powerful 15 amp motor and 24” rip capacity that makes it a favorite with everyone. The 2 ½” dust collection port allowed us to connect the saw to a shop vac and reduce the amount of dust that was in the garage.

To prevent the work piece from trapping the blade as it cuts, the W1819 sports a riving knife and splitter to keep the cut sections of the work piece separated. Anti-kickback pawls keep material moving in one direction, allowing for safe and consistent cuts. A 4-inch dust collection slot keeps saw dust from contaminating the air in your work space, and the control switch is magnetic with thermal overload protection.

We went through a large number of portable table saw reviews to help you identify the top options that you could choose from. If you do not have the time to surf through hundreds of options available online, this list will make the task easier for you. Of course, you can also use our buying guide to sift through options outside this list. In saying that, let’s get started with our top pick, the DEWALT DWE7491RS!
Some of the key table saw brands included Dewalt, Bosch, Makita and Ryobi. You’ll notice that we’ve featured a number of these brands across our table saw reviews. You’ll also find that these different brands offer something very different in terms of their features and functionality. With that in mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive summary of those brands on this very page and you’ll find more detailed information about them across the website and also information about choosing the best brand of table saw for you.
If you’re looking for a machine with high capacity, the SKIL 3410-02 has a 3.5-inch cut height with the ability to cut through four times the material on each pass. The consensus among reviewers is that, for such a low price, you end up compromising on miter gauge and saw blade quality. Luckily both of those things can be replaced if you so choose.
Every professional woodworker probably knows that portability and durability are two of the most important factors of every high-end table saw. There are dozens of types and models available for sale, but only a few are worth checking out and investing in. However, the SKIL 3410-02 is one of them. It is made of heavy-duty steel and features a 20-inch x 26-inch cast aluminum table that extends to 20-inch x 32-inch for larger projects. The motor of this tool is quite powerful. It comes with a 15 amp motor that is capable of cutting different types of wood. Its miter gauge is precise and delivers accurate cuts and the price is more than acceptable. Additionally, it is equipped with an EZ view measurement system thanks to which it can provide accurate measurements and cuts. The table measures 28.9 x 20.9 x 13 inches and weighs 67 lbs. Compared to other similar heavy-duty tools, it is lightweight and portable so you can place it wherever you need it to complete your projects.
With a quick release riving knife, this Jet 708676PK XACTASAW Deluxe 5HP with 30 In. Rip Fence reduces the risk of binding and also cuts back on the kickbacks that you might otherwise feel. Its five-horsepower motor is one of the most powerful on the market and can make quick cuts in any type of wood. It also comes with a 30-inch rip fence making rip cuts, though you may find that this fence is a little too short your needs.
While we rotated the plate, we recorded the maximum reading on the dial indicator. We validated each maximum reading by running the test for a second time and noting that the readings were consistent. TBB also noted that as we performed these tests on all eight saws, the maximum readings occurred at different parts of the plate along its rotation. Because the max readings were in different and discrete parts of the calibration plate, TBB had a very high level of confidence in the flatness of the calibration plate, itself.
Another important element of every model is the fence. Without the fence, you cannot make a precise cut. The most common type of fence that you can find on these units is the T-square fence. However, before getting into that let’s go over the most important characteristics a quality fence must have. First of all, it is important to know the role of the fence. It allows for hassle-free adjustment both vertically and horizontally. Also, it must be placed on the rails firmly, so you don’t encounter resistance while moving it. However, if this happens you can apply wax. Now, let’s have a look at the T-square fence. It is so popular because it is easy to adjust and maneuver. More than that, it is extremely accurate.

The DEWALT and Makita finished in first for our ergonomic rankings followed by a tie for second between Hitachi and Skilsaw and a tie for third place by Bosch and Ridgid. Both the DEWALT and Makita built their saw with the professional contractor in mind. Overall the entire crew really likes the saws with a rack-and-pinion fence system and the large wheels on the Skilsaw were also a big favorite.

The fencing should be perfectly straight and parallel to the blade in order to maintain a safe environment and achieve the best results. As soon as the fencing is taken care of, turn your attention to the blade itself. Is it properly adjusted and sitting at a perfect 90 degree angle? If not, you could encounter some issues while trying to work. You’ll need to find an accurate measuring tool to make sure your table saw blade is resting at a perfect 90 degree angle if you want to see the best results.
"This is the best table saw I've ever laid my hands on (no really it is). Coming from a Craftsman job site table saw, there's really no comparison between the two so it wouldn't even be fair to try. As a hobbyist, this saw is a little bit of overkill for what I do but having the peace of mind knowing my fingers will have a fighting chance in the event of a blade contact, It's well worth the money. Safety feature aside, it's still an amazing saw." - Hoang - Rockler.com Customer Review
Electric brakes in the saw is an important feature as helps the saw in reversing electricity in the motor, thus contributing to a precise cut. It is highly recommended that when you are buying a saw choose the one with on and off switch. The switch should be easily accessible to make work better and more efficient. In addition, the switch should have a cover. This will keep you from accidentally turning the saw on and damaging your work area or cutting yourself.
Probably one of the things that users will love most about this table saw is the solid granite surface which offers a seamless work area and excellent support. Another advantage of the Steel City 35955 is the fact that it comes with powerful magnets which allow swift changes without having to worry about using any type of tools. Since there’s a built-in mobile stand, you can easily position the saw around your shop without requiring the help of a second person.

At the same time, it’s also worth mentioning that Ryobi offer some of the most affordable products that we’ve seen from many table saw manufacturer. If you don’t particularly fancy shelling out some of the high prices that both Dewalt and Bosch are selling their products for, looking into the range offered by Ryobi might save you a serious amount of cash.

Cabinet saws are the prime choice for professional woodworkers. A more powerful induction motor, usually 3 to 5 HP, is enclosed in a cabinet, as part of a super-sturdy overall construction. This type of table saw is ideal for making smooth, straight cuts through hardwoods without worrying about excessive vibration. All that power and stability comes at a price, though. Low-end cabinet saws start around $2,300 and can go past $5,000 for industrial table saws.

That being said, they provide the best cuts out of any of these machines. They’re low vibration, have the greatest power, and since they’re not being moved around, they tend to be better calibrated. They also tend to come with higher-quality fences and miter gauges, which means that you can achieve the highest degree of accuracy when making cuts on cabinet table saws.

Love the video. It was very helpful, answered some of the questions I've had and wondered if you can expand this a bit further. I have a Thomasville bedroom set that I bought in 1981. After all of the years of my wife using hairspray, there's a layer of it on the bed's foot board and the top and leading edge of the dresser. Will this technique remove the hair spray and restore the finish? I tried using denatured alcohol to clean it in the past but stopped short of using a sanding pad or working it to the point that nit was anything but tacky. Sounds like I didn't work it long enough. Am I right or do I need to do something else? These areas are the only bad spots on any of the 5 pieces of the set. Thanks!